Waifu‑Powered Game Partners with Evangelion to Reclaim Top Spot

The First Descendant burst onto the scene in 2024, quickly amassing a massive following thanks to its alluring waifu roster. The title peaked at an impressive 264,860 concurrent players on Steam, only to gradually fade into obscurity as newer releases captured the spotlight.

Now, Nexon is determined to reignite interest in the game by announcing an exciting partnership that will bring two of the most iconic Evangelion characters—Asuka and Rei—directly into the battlefield.

Indeed, the rumors have been confirmed: The First Descendant will feature a brand‑new crossover with Evangelion, one of the most celebrated and influential anime franchises of all time. The collaboration is slated to launch on June 18, 2026, marking the first instance that the shooter will incorporate anime‑based content.

Nexon released an initial teaser for the event, showcasing three of the saga’s most beloved protagonists: Asuka Langley Soryu, Rei Ayanami, and Mari Illustrious Makinami. Each will appear in signature plugsuits inspired by the Rebuild of Evangelion film series.

While the developer has kept most of the event’s details under wraps, the latest teaser confirms that players will be able to unlock themed skins inspired by Asuka, Rei, and Mari.

In addition, Nexon hinted that special emotes will also be available, though the exact designs remain undisclosed. More information about the rewards, event duration, and how to acquire these cosmetic items is expected to surface in the coming days.

The Evangelion collaboration fits into Nexon’s broader strategy of sustaining interest in its shooter through high-profile cross‑brand events and beloved franchise content.

This isn’t the first time The First Descendant has pursued marquee partnerships. Earlier in 2025, the game featured special events inspired by NieR: Automata and Bayonetta, two of the most cherished Japanese gaming franchises.

The inclusion of Evangelion marks a pivotal moment for The First Descendant, as it is the game’s inaugural official partnership with a renowned anime franchise. This collaboration signals Nexon’s ambition to broaden the title’s appeal beyond the traditional shooter audience, inviting a fresh wave of fans into its immersive world.

Fans can look forward to the The First Descendant x Evangelion event, slated to launch on 18 June 2026 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This cross‑platform rollout underscores the publisher’s commitment to accessibility and sets the stage for a wide-reaching launch.

With the partnership now confirmed, speculation is already swirling about whether this could pave the way for additional anime collaborations in the future. Will this fresh alliance rekindle interest for returning players or entice new ones to dive into The First Descendant?